From a health perspective her dog can get exercise in the yard. If your friend is well enough to play fetch with her, all the better. From an emotional perspective though it would depend on the dog. If she is used to walks everyday she may miss them regardless that she is getting exercise in the yard. Each dog would be different - my lab made due with the yard and playing especially in the winter as I hate cold. But my brother's lap has to have his walk every night on clockwork!

Karlin

27th March 2007, 02:12 AM

A dog can get lots of exercise playing in a garden especially any games where she might be able to sit and throw things or have something on a rope to throw out and pull back -- most dogs enjoy chasing things in this way. If she could get someone to walk her dog even twice a week that would be good for the dog -- dogs enjoy socialising and this would be a long time for the dog not to meet people and other dogs. Maybe a neighbour teen would be interested in earning a little bit of money walking her cavalier for her? She should speak with a few neighbours as I am sure someone will have an idea for her. I hope she gets well soon!

Lisa_T

27th March 2007, 02:28 AM

I remember watching something on tv a while ago that said it's not the WALK that's the issue- it's the exercise, and as others have said, that can be done just as easily in other ways. If the weather is bad I've been known to spend 30 mins plus playing fetch up and down the stairs with Holly. The trainer on the telly pointed out that dog owners can be too hung up on the idea of a walk- we walk dogs because it's often most convenient for them and us, not because the dogs have any deep innate desire to 'go walkies'- and depending on where you live and where you walk, they may even get more exercise and enjoyment out of playing with you at home. Holly doesn't like ordinary street walks, for example, but say the word 'park' and she gets hysterical- because she knows she'll be able to play fetch, which she much prefers.

Caraline

27th March 2007, 02:46 AM

Yeah, I agree about the socialising aspect. Our Boxers stayed fit & healthy running around with each other but because of where we used to live & our lifestyle we rarely got to walk them in public areas. Now we find that they are just not comfortable when they are off our land.... a bit like me.

I do regret that, about the dogs that is. I am going to make sure that doesn't happen with our CKCSs.

For fitness fetch is a great idea for someone who can't get about.

emmawright

27th March 2007, 09:04 PM

Hi Tony, where about in the south of UK does your friend live?

Maxxs_Mummy

28th March 2007, 12:40 AM

I was wondering that too Emma. Maybe one of us on here might be able to help out?

Tony, I suffer badly with nerve damage in my spine and limbs on one side of my body and if I sometimes can't manage to get my boys out for a walk then we spend a good amount of time in the garden. With me sitting down throwing balls and toys for them to fetch back to me. They actually enjoy the change sometimes and funnily enough, on the weekend I picked up their harnesses to walk them and Maxx instead ran to the toybox, grabbed a ball and ran out the garden wanting to play :lol:

Maxxs_Mummy

31st March 2007, 04:48 PM

Let's hope that someone on here lives near and would be willing to walk an extra one sometimes - unfortunately I am a bit far away in Worcestershire :?

emmawright

2nd April 2007, 01:44 PM

yes, i am too far away aswell, i am in plymouth, devon.

Ginger's Mom

3rd April 2007, 01:58 AM

First of all, Tony, you're a good friend.

I'd think playing fetch with the pup will be a good idea. Also like others said ask around the neighborhood to see if anyone can walk the dog.

I hope your friend will be better very soon. :flwr:

Alison_Leighfield

3rd April 2007, 10:11 AM

I find a game using the brain tires my lot out better than a long hike, ....so the fun continues in even finding their brains and grey matter! :lol:

Seriously though if a friend/neighbour could manage a short walk twice a week then I'm sure all will be fine. In my area where we live (it's a large town) we have a register where people can volunteer to walk dogs for people in this situation. It's done through various training clubs with vetted dog lovers included. Perhaps the library/vets/groomers could help with an inquiry like this where you live? perhaps a local training club would have someone willing to do a short walk for you and at least you would know that the dog would be in safe hands...it's all worth that phone call. Think along those lines for some help.